Aging can be beautiful, but it comes with its fair share of surprises.
As we age, our bodies can become deficient in key vitamins and minerals because we don't absorb them as efficiently as when we were young.
A common example of this is B12 deficiency. B12 shots can help you be healthier by adding more vitamins to your body. If you have Medicare, do you have to pay for B12 shots?
Let's take a look at B12 shots and whether Medicare will cover your expenses.
A B12 shot B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and is naturally found in some foods, such as meat, fish, and dairy products. It's essential for:
Brain and nerve cells
Production of DNA
Production of red blood cells
Without enough Vitamin B12,
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects more than 20% of the elderly population
If you have B12 deficiency, your doctor may suggest that you eat Vitamin B12-rich foods
Let's look at the situations where Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments
If you’re admitted to a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or a hospice care facility — and your doctor orders a B12 shot as a treatment procedure — Medicare Part A may cover your expenses.
For example, if you're in the hospital and your doctor orders medically necessary B12 shots to treat anemia, a gastrointestinal disorder, neuropathy, or some other health issue caused by B12 deficiency, Medicare Part A may provide coverage.
In most cases, you'll receive a B12 shot in an outpatient setting. If your doctor recommends a B12 shot during an outpatient visit, Medicare Part B may cover your expenses. ( Part B typically covers drugs
Even if Medicare Part B approves your B12 shots, you may still owe a copay. This is determined by the type of Medicare plan
Still, if you have Medicare Part B coverage, verify what you'll owe your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment. We can help you do this.
Medicare Part D covers a wide range of prescription drugs. But, it doesn't cover over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Part D plans are required to list all prescription drugs they cover in a formulary. Formularies can vary from one Medicare Part D plan to another.
If your Medicare Part D plan lists B12 shots in their formulary, you'll get coverage.
But if B12 shots aren't listed in your plan's formulary, don't worry just yet. You might still be able to get coverage by requesting a utilization management review .
This program evaluates the efficiency and necessity of the treatments you're seeking. If your plan provider considers the treatment a medical necessity based on your doctor's recommendation, you could receive your B12 shots at a much lower cost — or even for free.
Medicare Advantage plans
Just like Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage plans have a formulary of drugs they'll cover. If your Medicare Advantage plan
The cost of a B12 shot depends on how it's administered. Self-administered B12 shots generally cost less than shots given by a doctor or clinic.
The type of B12 shot also affects the cost. Synthetic B12 shots, which use a form of vitamin B12 not found in nature, are typically less expensive than natural B12 shots.
If your insurance plan doesn't cover B12 shots, you could pay anywhere from $10 to $75 per shot .
The human body needs Vitamin B12 to function normally. If your vitamin deficiency is caused by malabsorption of B12 from food, your doctor might recommend B12 shots.
If your provider recommends them, Medicare may cover B12 shots for you. Check with your insurance provider if you're unsure whether your plan provides coverage for B12 shots.
You can also call us at (888)-376-2028. Our team
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
Feb 28, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Nov 19, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?
Jan 11, 2023
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Aug 1, 2022
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Jun 16, 2022
Is Botox Covered by Medicare?
Jan 19, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Jan 5, 2023
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Sep 27, 2022
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
Nov 18, 2022
Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs
Feb 1, 2024
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Feb 1, 2024
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
Feb 26, 2024
Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number
May 12, 2022
Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?
Oct 3, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 27, 2022
Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?
Dec 1, 2022
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Building the Future of Senior Healthcare
Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?
Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans
Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?
Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?
Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?
Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?
Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?
Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?
Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
How is Medicare Changing in 2025?
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?
How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?
How to Apply for Medicare?
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How to Enroll in Social Security
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?
Last Day to Change Your Medicare Part D Plan
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Medicare Explained
Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?
Plan G vs. Plan N
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
What is Plan J?
What is the Medicare ICEP?
What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Will Medicare Cover it?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M